Julie Ralph appointed as Head of New Business at 360 Funding

An expanding North East business finance company has appointed a specialist to work with its increasing flow of new clients.

Julie Ralph has joined 360 Funding as Head of New Business after a 12-year career with Bibby Financial Services. She will be working with businesses seeking all aspects of commercial funding including invoice, trade, property and asset finance.

Working her way up from a receptionist to spending nine years as business development manager at Bibby, Julie is a specialist in the invoice finance market. In addition to bringing this expertise to 360 Funding, the role will allow her to further develop her own career as the Company’s client base continues to grow exponentially.

The mum-of-two from Blackfell in Washington, a keen golfer and dancer who studied the tango in Argentine capital Buenos Aires, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining 360 Funding at such an exciting time in the company’s growth.

“The new role is much broader than my previous position and I’m looking forward to working with the commercial market, using my network of contacts with lenders, SME’s and advisors across the region. 360 Funding will give me the opportunity with its extensive product range to help grow North East firms to achieve their potential.”

Julie’s appointment comes as 360 Funding enters a period of rapid growth. Steve Barber and Steven Colwell, who have almost 40 years combined experience in finding financial solutions for businesses, established the company.

Mr Barber said: “We’re delighted that such a high-calibre, high profile professional has joined our rapidly expanding business. Julie has a tremendous knowledge of the commercial market and numerous contacts across the North East business community. She will be a real asset to 360 Funding and our customers as we continue to grow.”

The firm operates from offices in Cramlington, Northumberland, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and is now seeking a third office in Newcastle.

It specialises in providing considered funding solutions to SME businesses throughout the UK.

Bishop Auckland-based Mr Colwell, whose background is in commercial finance, insolvency and business consultancy, said: “We’re a solutions company for businesses. We understand our customers’ requirements by engaging in their businesses and finding a solution that they understand by working with them every step of the way. We think outside of the box and bring a very driven approach to commercial funding.

“The addition of Julie to our management team has now set us apart from most brokers. We have specialists for each funding product that have genuine industry experience, and the ability to implement practical solutions with an extensive knowledge and product base.

“We are fully authorised by the FCA and are members of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers – giving our clients the reassurance of working within a regulated environment.”

The company are incredibly proud to be North East based, but in fact, have a significant presence throughout the UK, and have recently been instructed in two large property transactions on behalf of London-based clients. This coverage will be further expanded with their website offering “businessfunders.co.uk” which will be manged by Durham University graduate Dan Lewis who joined the team in September this year.

Mr Barber, who is the principle of the business said “We are proud to be seen as the partner of choice for clients and advisors alike. We have a number of exciting projects lined up for 2016. Many of these businesses had unsuccessfully explored ‘traditional’ funding options such as their own bank but ended up benefiting from more viable ‘alternative’ funding solutions through 360 Funding’s extensive panel of lenders.”